Post by UT Medical

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating a remarkable UT Medical story – a mother and son, both physicians, caring for the East Tennessee region they call home. For Janet Purkey, MD, FACP, and her son, Sam Purkey, DO, medicine isn’t just a profession – it’s a calling they share. Dr. Purkey and her husband, Charles, raised three children in Knoxville – all born at UT Medical Center – while she built a career rooted in both patient care and education. Since 1991, she has taught medical students and residents, helping train the next generation of physicians as part of UT Medical’s role as the region’s academic health system. She also helped launch the East Knoxville Free Medical Clinic in 2013, expanding access to care for underserved and underinsured families. “I’ve always loved teaching,” she said. “Seeing students grow while knowing patients are well cared for gives me great satisfaction.” Many of those she mentored now practice across East Tennessee and beyond – including her youngest son. Growing up, Sam watched his mother’s long days caring for patients. While he admired her, he wasn’t sure medicine was for him at first. “I thought about business or law,” he said. “But volunteering at the free clinic with my mom changed everything. I saw what medicine really meant – helping people who might not otherwise get care.” That experience shaped his path. After medical school and fellowship training, Sam returned to Knoxville in 2025 to join University Gastroenterology. Today, he also serves as an assistant professor and associate program director at the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine–Knoxville, helping train future physicians. Many of the lessons he carries didn’t come from textbooks. “They came from watching physicians like my mom,” he said. “She goes above and beyond for patients – that’s just who she is.” For Dr. Purkey, seeing her son follow a similar path has been deeply meaningful. “As a doctor mom, I’m honored he chose this path,” she said. “He cares deeply about people.” Their story is a reminder that medicine is more than diagnoses. It’s compassion, mentorship and a legacy carried forward – something to celebrate every day and especially on Mother’s Day. As an academic health system, UT Medical is committed to caring for our community while preparing the next generation of physicians and clinicians. Stories like the Purkeys’ reflect a culture of learning, collaboration and connection – part of what makes UT Medical one of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2025, as recognized by Forbes, and a place where we are proud to care for you. This Mother’s Day, help us celebrate the moms of UT Medical. Give someone you know a shout-out in the comments – for caring for her family at home and for our community every day. https://bit.ly/4dhZnMV